The preliminary matches would be held at the Sector 16 stadium in Chandigarh while the final on February 14 would be held at the PCA Stadium in Mohali, the release said.

Last season the teams consisted of players invited from the four state associations in the catchment area and this year the format has been enhanced wherein players are invited from across the country and teams have been handpicked to promote and encourage talent, the release said.

Last year, three budding cricketers - Taruvar Kohli, Amanpreet Singh and Vikramjit Malik - were spotted and got a chance to be part of the KXIP team coached by former Australian cricketer Tom Moody.

Shortlisted players from this year's selection will go to the KXIP Academy jointly promoted by PCA and the franchise, the release added.

Kings XI Punjab is held and promoted by a consortium which includes industrialists Mohit and Gaurav Burman, Karan Paul, Ness Wadia and Bollywood actress Preity Zinta and other investors.

Kings XI CEO Anil Srivatsa said the tournamnent provided opportunities for the players aspiring to play for the franchise team to achieve their aim.

"We are very happy and excited to be back amongst our fans and well wishers for IPL 2010. This tournament gives players who aspire to play for Kings XI Punjab, a chance to make their dreams come true."

"The objective is to spot and encourage talent at the grassroots level, giving them once in a lifetime opportunity to share space with some of the best cricketers in the world.

With a good balance of domestic and foreign players, we are all geared up and ready to take Season III by storm," he said.